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The Meaning of Low Platelet Count in Blood Test Result

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Red_White_Blood_cells
Scanning electron micrograph of blood cells. From left to right: human erythrocyte, activated thrombocyte (platelet), leukocyte. (Wikimedia Image)

Platelets are components of our blood that primarily aid in blood clotting. Blood clotting stops bleeding in cuts or wounds; without it any wound we incur would lead to massive hemorrhaging and eventually death. Platelets are the most numerous component of our blood, though they only account for only twenty percent of our total blood volume. Together with red blood cells and some white blood cells, platelets are formed in the bone marrow by cells called megakaryocytes. However, the platelet itself is not a cell but simply cell fragments. They do however contain proteins on their surface that do a variety of functions to limit bleeding. Some proteins found in platelets allow themselves to stick together and block breaks in blood vessels while other proteins call or attract more platelet fragments to help block the breach. Since platelets are the lightest component of blood, they are shuttered away from the center of blood vessels and instead move along the sides, making their job of sealing breaks in the blood vessel easier.

Thrombocytopenia or low platelet count is a symptom of many diseases. It can be detected by undergoing a complete blood count test. The normal platelet count for humans is in between 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter (µL) of blood. Lower than 150,000 platelets would signify thrombocytopenia while higher than 450,000 platelets means having a high blood platelet count or thrombocytosis. Extremely low platelet counts may lead to bleeding from gums, bruises, rashes, and skin irritation.

There are several meanings of a low platelet count. It could be an enlargement of the spleen. This small organ plays a role in cleaning the blood for old red blood cells, as well as for removing phagocytosed intruders. An enlargement of the spleen may be caused by infections and other factors that would lead platelets to be gravitated towards it, reducing the amount circulating in the blood.[ad#co-1]

A platelet usually has a lifespan of only 10 days. When platelet production is reduced, the amount of platelets available in the blood may run out after 10 days. Platelets are produced in the bone marrow, thus a multitude of diseases such as leukemia, AIDS, and anemia may limit the number of platelets produced. Aside from infections, the production of platelets can be hampered by toxic substances, radiation, and heavy alcohol consumption.

Another meaning of low platelet counts is that the body’s immune system may be consuming platelets. Platelets can be consumed or utilized by the body faster than it can be manufactured. Pregnancy in women lowers platelet counts. Bacterial infections may destroy platelets at a fast rate, lowering their numbers in the blood. Dengue fever causes drop in platelets due to hemorrhaging and the body’s attempt to cope with the disease. Another severe cause of low platelet count is thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or TTP. It is a condition in which platelets attract one another, forming blood clots. Another condition is Ideophatic thrombocytopenic purpura. In this condition, the antibodies of a person attacks platelets, diminishing their numbers. Some drugs, particularly those used for chemotherapy or those that damage the bone marrow may also deplete platelet counts in the body.

The first step in treating low platelet counts is identifying the root cause. Usually, treatments are at a case to case basis, and if the cause is life threatening, other symptoms may be addressed first before treating low platelet counts. Some herbs like tawa-tawa, papaya leaves and Neem leaves are said to be able to augment the body’s platelet counts, particularly after dengue fever.  A healthy lifestyle is always the first defense against platelet disorders.[ad#afterpost]

Reference

  • Loscalzo, Joseph; Fauci, Anthony S.; Braunwald, Eugene; Dennis L. Kasper; Hauser, Stephen L; Longo, Dan L. (2008). Harrison’s principles of internal medicine. McGraw-Hill Medical

Normal Cholesterol Levels in the Blood

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Cholesterol
Space-filling model of the Cholesterol molecule (Wikimedia Image)

Cholesterol is a steroid alcohol found in all the cells of our body. It is usually mistaken as fat because it appears waxy but in truth, it is considered as an alcohol. It is needed by our cells in order for them to function well.  Our body uses cholesterol to make various hormones, vitamin D, and certain substances that aid the body for proper digestion. Cholesterol can be found in some of the food we eat.

The levels of cholesterol in our body show an overall picture of our health. Although this is not used for diagnosing diseases, it is useful in determining current and long term risks of heart attacks and strokes.

For better understanding of cholesterol, we must bear in mind that although it is a vital component of cells, uncontrolled levels of it is detrimental to our health. To give us a more vivid illustration, think of blood as water and think of the cholesterol as oil. And when these are put together, they obviously do not mix. In order for the cholesterol to pass through the bloodstream, it must be carried by small packages that are medically known as lipoproteins. As their name implies, lipoproteins are made up of fat (lipo/lipid) and  protein. There are two types of lipoproteins that transport cholesterol throughout our body:

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol

We commonly call this type of cholesterol as the bad cholesterol. We can also call it as the lousy cholesterol for better recollection (L=LDL ; L=lousy). The normal value is less than 100 mg/dL (milligrams of LDL cholesterol per deciliter of blood). Continued high levels of blood LDL cholesterol lead to the buildup of cholesterol that attach on the walls of the arteries, called plaques. These plaques eventually block the bloodstream or in other cases, get dislodged and flow along the bloodstream and impede circulation once it gets stuck on smaller blood vessels. The higher the level of lousy cholesterol is, the greater is the risk of developing a heart disease. Avoiding a diet with high carbohydrates and processed foods is a great way of decreasing LDL levels.[ad#co-1]

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol

We call it as the good cholesterol. For easy recollection, we can call this the happy cholesterol (H=HDL; H=happy). A good cholesterol value of greater than 39 mg/dL indicates a healthy heart. HDL cholesterol is  the kind of cholesterol we want to keep elevated. It has the task of carrying cholesterol from all over our body back to the liver where it would be processed for excretion. The higher the level of happy cholesterol is, the lesser is the chance of having a heart disease. Eating more saturated fats and proteins, and eating fewer carbohydrates will increase HDL levels.

The following also appear on a routine lipid profile and are noteworthy to be discussed:

Triglycerides are fats in the blood that are being stored and burned for fuel or energy. The normal value should be less than 150 mg/dL. High levels of triglycerides indicate that the body is not using them for fuel. Coronary artery disease has been linked to high triglyceride levels in the blood. Therefore, to avoid this disease, triglyceride level should be decreased. A diet low in carbohydrates and fats can dramatically decrease triglyceride levels.

Total Blood Cholesterol is a measure of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and other lipid components of the blood. The recommended value should be less than 200 mg/dL.

Conclusion

It is important to have normal levels of both LDL and HDL cholesterol to keep the body healthy and free from risks of getting cardiovascular diseases as well as other complications. Decreasing our cholesterol levels also decreases the dangers of plaque build-up. A high blood cholesterol level does not usually manifest symptoms of the condition unless it has accompanying diseases. That is why regular lipid profile examinations are advisable. Do not hesitate to approach your physician when results show abnormalities. Or better yet, have a lifestyle check. Don’t wait for your cholesterol results to deviate from the normal values before you live a healthy way of life.[ad#afterpost]

Blood Tests That Indicate Alcoholism

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AlcoholAbout 150 million worldwide are now suffering from alcoholism which is defined as the psychological and physical need to imbibe alcohol, usually at the expense of work, health and relationships. Throughout history, alcoholism has been one of the most prevalent problems of society. Drunken behavior can cause annoyance, repulsion, and avoidance of the person involved. Also, a person’s behavior gradually becomes erratic, eventually leading to self-destructive tendencies. Alcoholism can also aggravate preexisting medical conditions as well as greatly disrupt a person’s mental health.

Alcoholism is a difficult problem to deal with, especially if it has long been entrenched into a person’s behavioral patterns. The longer a person has become an alcoholic, the harder and the more complicated the effort needed to help the person. This involves support from the workplace, social community and family. Many institutions and employers prefer not to hire people who are alcoholics. To facilitate recognition of early signs of alcoholism and to detect alcohol use in law enforcement, work place, and educational institution, alcohol tests have become commonly administered.

Alcohol tests usually test for the presence of ethanol in the body. Body fluids are usually required for testing. These bodily fluids include urine, saliva and blood. Blood tests are usually performed to confirm if a person was in a drunken state upon commission of a crime or an administrative error. Coupled with external observations and physical on the spot tests, blood tests for alcohol use can lead to arrests and aggravated sentences. Blood tests are also performed for members of institution where alcoholic consumption is prohibited; these include the military, work places, and schools. Individuals who have chronic alcohol problems also undergo blood tests for alcohol regularly to gauge their progress.
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Ethanol is readily absorbed by the blood, thus measuring ethanol content in blood is a sure way to approximate the amount of alcohol a person has imbibed. Blood is usually obtained from a vein in the upper arm. The amount of ethanol concentration in the blood is indicative of the amount consumed and has its corresponding effects. An estimated blood alcohol content of 0.02 usually relaxes a person while 0.10 would already slow one’s reflexes, thinking, and slurs one’s speech. Intoxication is usually defined as having a blood alcohol content measurement within 0.08 to 1.0. Take note that blood alcohol content is usually expressed as a percentage of alcohol in the blood. For instance, a BAC of 0.10 means that 0.10% (one tenth of one percent) of your blood is alcohol.

To test for chronic alcohol consumption several specialized blood tests can be performed. These blood tests, coupled with an interview and observations by friends and family members is indicative of alcoholism.

One test that may indicate alcoholism is the GGT test. This test measures the amount of gamma-glutamyl-transferase, an enzyme produced by the liver. Its concentrations in the blood are sensitive to the amount of alcohol ingested. Drinking several bottles for four to eight weeks would significantly raise GGT content in blood.

Another test is the Mean Cell Volume test. This test involves actual visual observation of the red blood cells present in blood. When a person consumes alcohol, it affects the bone marrow, the site of production for red blood cells. The red blood cells appear large by a magnitude of a hundred.

Liver damage is highly indicative of prolonged chronic alcohol use. When the liver gets damage, several substances make their way into the blood. A liver panel detects these compounds and can approximate the type and extent of damage based on the composition of these proteins. Several proteins tested for by the liver panel include bilirubins, aspartate aminotransferase (enzyme), alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. A 1:2 ratio between alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase may indicate alcoholic hepatitis.

Alcoholism is a serious concern because it endangers not only the life of the individual but also his or her relatives, friends, and colleagues. These blood tests that indicate alcoholism may help stem a person’s descent into dependence and lead that person into sobriety and reintroduction as a productive member of society.[ad#afterpost]

References

Health Benefits of Kelp

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Kelp in Tasmania
Kelp in Tasmania

Kelps are common marine plants. They belong to the brown algae group (Phaeophyta) under the order Laminariales, having approximately thirty genera. Kelp is known to have various medicinal uses. The health benefits of kelp include supplementing diet, preventing diseases and treating them.

Kelp thrives in cool, temperate waters. They form massive plantations or forests that become habitat to other marine  organisms. These fast growing plants have two life stages: a diploid spore releasing stage and a haploid gamete stage that cycle into each other.  Green, leaf-shaped structures compose the body or thallus of the algae. The kelp is anchored to the seafloor by means of the holdfast (pseudo root), preventing waves from washing them away. Some species have gas-filled bladders that help kelp maintain a surface presence, enabling them to access to sunlight easier. They are fast growing and large organisms with some species approaching growth rates of fifty centimeters per day and reaching approximately eighty meters in height.

Throughout the years, the health benefits of kelp have been enjoyed by cultures around the world. They have been used in ethnic cuisine, usually as a spice, although many cultures use them as vegetables and garnishes. Japanese cuisine extensively uses kelp as flavoring, food wrapper and even as candies or snack. They are either lightly cooked, eaten raw or simply immersed in vinegar.

Kelp was also a very valuable commodity early in history as a source of soda ash. Being mineral rich, it has, throughout history, been used as a fertilizer. Currently, there are many products which have components derived from kelp. Toothpaste, dog food, gelatin, and ice cream all have ingredients coming from kelp. With its high iodine content, it has been used as a medicinal treatment for goiter. Its fast growth rate, a lack of any need for irrigation and the ease by which it could be harvested makes kelp an ideal crop. Coupled with high methane and ethanol yield, kelp is seen as a viable alternative source of fuel. Since it is not really a “food” crop, utilizing kelp for fuel would not deprive the world of a vital food source.

One of the many health benefits of kelp is the fact that it is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins B1, B5, and B9 are all present in kelp with a single serving able to fill about 50% of a person vitamin B9 (folate) needs. These vitamins are essential in maintaining energy and vigor. It is also an excellent source of calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, zinc and iodine. These are some of the basic building blocks of the human body, essential in most processes that allow us to live a healthy life.

Aside from being an excellent addition to one’s diet, kelp also has many remedial and preventive health benefits. As mentioned, the high iodine content of kelp helps prevent and treat instances of goiter. Kelp can aid indigestion.  Indigestion is usually caused by the body’s inability to break down sugars and other substances. Kelp contains enzymes that allow it to break sugars, preventing indigestion and also reducing the occurrence of flatulence. Its high fiber content also relieves constipation, allowing the digestive system to efficiently remove waste material. Kelp can make our stomachs more efficient, and yet recent research has shown that a substance found in kelp could also help reduce the chance of obesity. Known as alginate, this substance can reduce the body’s fat absorption even better than some over-the-counter drugs.

The health benefits of kelp are substantial. Coupled with its properties as a very viable, easy to grow crop, it would not be surprising to find much more uses for kelp in the future.

References:

  • Druehl, L.D. (1988). Cultivated edible kelp: Algae and Human Affairs. Lembi, C.A. and Waaland, J.R. (Eds.)
  • Kazuko, Emi (2002), Japanese Cooking. Hermes House , p. 78,
  • Sky News (2010). Is Seaweed The Answer To A Dieter’s Prayer?

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What Drugs Are They Looking for in a Urinalysis Drug Screen?

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Mandatory_drug_testing,_Guantanamo
Mandatory drug testing, Guantanamo Bay

Urine drug tests usually include common drugs but drugs tested for is dependent on the panel used. Most tests include a standard five drug tests.  The Department of Transportation drug test (DOT 5) and National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA 5) drug test usually tests for opiates, amphetamines, cocaine, cannabinoids and phencyclidine.

Opiates are drugs derived from the resin of poppy (Papaver somniferum). It is an addictive narcotic which works as a pain reducer by depressing the central nervous system. In cases of extreme dosage, it can also depress the respiratory system, resulting in unconsciousness and death. Heroin is the most common opiate used for the euphoria it brings but in medicine morphine was utilized to reduce extreme pain.

Amphetamines are central nervous system stimulants that are taken to bring about a sense of well being and energy. In medicine, it is used to treat attention deficit disorder and depression. Symptoms of use include alertness, wakefulness and lack of hunger.

Cocaine is derived from alkaloids in the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylum coca). It is a nervous system stimulant that produces a sense of euphoria. It inhibits the uptake of serotin and is extremely addictive.

Cannabinoids are derivatives of the marijuana plant (Cannabis sativa). The most common forms are marijuana and hashish. Cannabis lowers inhibitions, increases sensory perception and induces mild euphoria in moderate doses. Large doses can lead to panic, detachment and depression. Most tests look for the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Phencyclidine also known as PCP is a street drug that induces a superman complex, giving users a sense of increased physical prowess and lowering inhibition to the point that users feel invincible.

Expanded tests look for additional drugs in urine samples. These are called non-DOT panel 10 tests. Companies use these tests in cases of suspected employee drug use, or when screening potential employees. Law enforcement also utilizes the 10-drug tests in cases of habitual drug offenders.  Additional drugs screened for are methamphetamine, methadone, barbiturates, benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressant.

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Methamphetamine or crystal meth is a stimulant that is easily broken down by the body to amphetamine. It induces vigor, energy, wakefulness and lack of appetite, making a the drug of choice of party goers under the form Ecstasy (MMDA).

Methadone is a drug commonly used to wean of abusers of opiates. It produces the same effects albeit lasting longer than both heroin and morphine. Thus a single dose can last a whole day, making it a cost-effective substitute.

Barbiturates produce effects similar to alcohol intoxication. Loss of coordination, inhibition and slurring of speech are common symptoms

Benzodiazepines are used medicinally as a sleep-inducing drug. It can relieve stress and prevent seizures by depressing the central nervous system. It produces the mild euphoria associated with alcohol consumption.

TCAs or tricyclic antidepressants have been therapeutically used to treat depression disorders. It raises brain serotonin levels, by inhibiting uptake of nerve cells. It acts as a mild stimulant, producing a very mild feeling of euphoria.

Other specialized tests look for certain drugs like steroids, oxycedone and propoxyphene. Alcohol is also usually screen for when looking for drugs in urine. Another substance tested for is creatinine. Dilution via excess intake of water and no-flush niacin is a common way to flush out substances and pass drug tests. This results in detection of low creatinine levels. Also, the ratio of carboxy-THC, a metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol to creatinine is looked at by drug testers. A high carboxy-THC to creatinine ratio is indicative of recent drug use.

Testing for drugs in urine is a commonplace occurrence in today’s world. Getting a job, going to school, and getting a license are some scenarios where you may encounter these tests.[ad#afterpost]

 

References

The Use of a Urine Test to Detect Alcohol

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Sample of urine
Sample of urine (Wikimedia)

Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in the world. Alcohol in small amounts induces a feeling of mild euphoria but as volume increases, inhibitions, mobility, decision making and coordination decreases with stupor and unconsciousness occurring with high dosages. Alcohol also has a synergistic effect when accompanied with use of other drugs like cannabis, barbiturates and cocaine, increasing the potency of the effect.

Law enforcement is thus concerned about public inebriation, especially when driving vehicles and in the conduct of crime. Alcohol tests may be ordered when a person is observed by law enforcement officials to be exhibiting loss of coordination, slow reaction time, vomiting, and unconsciousness or if physical appearance and demeanor indicates inebriation. Alcohol levels in a person’s body indicate the amount of alcohol consumed within a certain time frame.

There are various methods used to determine alcohol content in a person’s body, usually using a person’ breath, saliva, blood and urine. Among the different tests available to determine alcohol levels in a person’s body, urine testing is among the most reliable and the most flexible in terms of detecting for additional substances and it is the most inexpensive. However, urine testing is usually the easiest to fake, one of the most invasive and one that poses a biohazard to the tester. Urine testing also just measures the presence of alcohol ingested up to 48 hours prior, however, since alcohol takes one half to two hours to be metabolized, urine tests does not accurately predict a person’s current alcohol consumption. Urine tests are also dependent on a person’s physical status, with dilution, metabolism and other factors playing a role in the results. The presence of glucose as well as some microorganisms in the sample could also lead to higher ethanol counts since glucose can be fermented with time and sufficient temperature.
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Urine testing involves looking at a sample’s ethanol content to determine a person’s alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol or ethanol is broken down in the liver to acetaldehyde via the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. Acetaldehyde is in turn broken down into acetic acid as well as to other by products. Another pathway that breaks down ethanol is the cytochrome P450 2e1 pathway that breaks down ethanol to acetaldehyde and other reactive radicals. Urine testing utilizes the alcohol dehydrogenase pathway to determine alcohol in urine. This method, the alcohol dehydrogenase assay, measures the reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide to measure the amount of ethanol present in the sample.

Another, more sensitive test for alcohol in urine is the EtG test. Etg or ethyl glucoronide is another by product of alcohol metabolism. Unlike ethanol, EtG stays in the body up to 80 days, making it a useful alcohol detection method for alcohol consumption in the military and in schools. However, the sensitivity of ethyl gluoronide makes false positive an easy occurrence. Many household products, like hand sanitizers, detergents, and even antiperspirants contain alcohol. It is thus easy to trigger a positive just by moderate usage of alcohol containing products. This means that EtG tests by itself is viewed somewhat unreliable and may require corroborating results from other tests.

In converting urine test results to alcohol blood content, the assumption is usually that 1.3 parts of alcohol present in the urine equals one part present in alcohol. However, this value can vary greatly among individuals creating a source of error.

Urine testing lags behind blood testing in terms of accuracy of results. However, it still is a commonly used detection tool. Although relatively easy to fool with dilution and has numerous sources of error, it still used by law enforcement and is quite capable of withstanding legal challenge.[ad#afterpost]

References